CWPA National Champions

Why I Coach:

Coaching to me has a very different definition than how it would be defined in the Webster Dictionary. I coach so that I can share the knowledge that I have so greatly received from my personal experiences from coaches, athletes, games and situations. I coach to give back to young individuals, help guide then forward in life. I coach to create a place that all feel welcome and that their thoughts and opinions matter with equal weight.

Some individuals coach so that they have complete power. I coach for the opposite, I want to give my athletes power. I get just as much from my athletes as I believe I am giving them. I learn something new constantly from them. My biggest thoughts were during the National Championship game with so much on the line, that my players were still confident in voicing their thoughts on plays and situations. This type of coaching I believe allows for the sharing of constructive information and growth for us all.

This past season was like no other year of coaching. Like anytime coaching there are the good days and bad days. As a coach I have experienced some amazing wins and some very tough losses. This year I was able to rooster and coach two teams an A squad and a B team. This alone created some extremely long days at tournaments coaching 4 games in a day many back to back. Yelling from the bench to my other squad that was supposed to be warming up or cooling down. Or the time we played each other and I was standing near half coaching both sides, I can tell you that game got very confusing.

As the season went on my A squad only lost a game that was at the ASU open invitational. My B squad lost a few and won some great games, getting better every time we played. This was the best part of the year, the girls actually wanted to sub they were playing so much. No one was mad about playing time!Everyone became a better player and teammate. 

Pacific Coast Division Championship:

Victory Swim

In order for us to advance to the National Championship tournament we needed to win the Pacific Coast Division championship, this is something that as a program we had never accomplished. The best we had ever done was 2nd in our league, back in 2012. Where we got 5th at the National Championship (in Florida). The programs only other appearance at the National Championship, prior to this year. That year 2nd was good enough to stamp our ticket because CAL Poly (in our league had one the 2011 National Title- granting our division 2 spots).  That said this year we had to win to advance.

This would be the first time our program got to host the Pacific Coast Division Champs, making a bit of extra work for us. In all it worked to our benefit. The  B team would have a great tournament ending with two wins and two loses. Then the A squad would play through the tournament with little trouble. Then playing a great game against Cal Poly to win! I would get to take a great victory swim. Being pushed in by the girls! It was such an exciting time for the girls and our program. Then we started the planning process Nationals was only three weeks out.

Spending a bit of time stressed with the president we managed to get everyone’s plane tickets to Cleveland Ohio. The hotel booked, our rental cars rented and our paperwork turned in. 

Nationals Bound: 

The trip to Ohio would start super early. We had a 6:15am flight. Of course we had a delay out. Which seems to be the only way I travel these days. Once in Ohio we headed straight to the pool to warm up.The girls got to loosen up and start to feel comfortable with the indoor pool. We then headed to grab some dinner and back to the hotel. Which of course had the water being turned off- after a cross country flight, humid pool and then no shower. This was turning out to be an adventure for us.

Friday we would only have to play one game as the 3 seed, we were playing 14th seed, which would be NYC. I was happy with how the starters came out to play setting  us up for a great tournament.We were then able to rest the starters and play our entire squad. It was great to see some of the younger less experienced players get a great amount of time. We would win 13-6. Game Recap. With a good amount of time left in the day we wanted to rest up, we headed to lunch and the movies. Getting the girls in bed early to set us up for another great day.  

Last huddle before the championship game

Saturday we would play two games. I would also have my own cheering section, Nik made the 2-hour drive to Geneva to watch the games. The girls really enjoyed meeting him. The first game of the day was played against Duke. Thanks to some great help from my old teammates and best friend Anna, I had a full scouting report. We would win the game and everyone would get a great amount of playing time once again. We would defeat Duke 9-2. Game Recap. 

After winning this game we were officially in uncharted territory for our program. History was already being made we were into the semifinals of the National Championship tournament. The semifinals would be against ASU. We had played them at the ASU tournament earlier in the season.We had struggled a bit  in March with them, so I was a bit unsure how this game would go.The girls would come out firing away. They really set the pace of the game, allowing for everyone to play. We would defeat ASU 12-4. Game Recap. After beating ASU we were granted our first ever trip into the NATIONAL Championship game.

MVP Morgan

Sunday would be an exciting day for our program. The girls were a little nervous as was I. The game would start out a little slow for us. The girls then started to settle into the game. This would be the first game of the year in which the girls were pushed. The score would go back and forth. Leading into the fourth quarter, both teams had the opportunity to win the game. Yet defense was great on both side and we held them off. Our goalie Morgan was a brick wall down the line, she stopped everything.  With such great defense, it meant overtime. Two quarters- three minutes. No goals were scored. By this point we had not been subbing much, the girls playing were exhausted. We had two starters that had fouled out of the game. After two more quarters it was sudden death till a winner was crowned. With only about 10 seconds left in the first quarter of sudden death- Meghan Harder was able to sneak the ball into the goal. We would win 10-9. Game Recap 

Celebrating our overtime win

I can fully admit to not even seeing Meghan’s goal. I was watching the other side of the pool, hoping that the girls were running the play that we had just discussed in a timeout. At this point the place erupted; I am not sure if I was pushed in or jumped. Honestly I think it was a bit of both. Not sure I had ever swam so fast in my life. I was in the middle of the girls huddle in what seems like an instance. We spent some time celebrating in the middle, before heading to shake hands. It was such a great game all around. 

After we shook hands, it was award time. We would be presented last with our National Championship plaques. Morgan would be named MVP of the tournament, while Bailey and Kelli were named to 1^st team. The girls were just so excited. A few times I wanted to cry just watching the excitement of the girls. During the game was hard, they had never been tested, the entire year they had just won. So for them to dig deep and stay as a team, was wonderful to see. Many times when a team is in a hard place or struggling it all goes bad when the girls start yelling at each other. My team never did this, they were always so positive with each other. As supportive as they could be. Just wanted one thing to all become National Champions. The girls were just so excited, they had so many amazing things to say to me during awards. This tournament and team is one of my proudest moments.

National Champions

Once the awards were over it was time to shower and get on the road. I had heard about the longest & oldest covered bridge just down the road. As a team we would head to see it. Then it was back to San Diego as National Champions! Only a few girls graduate, so I am hoping to have another amazing season next year.

I want to also thank all the parents of the girls. They were just great this season. To all the people that stepped up and made a donation to the program. You helped these girls create one of the best memories of their lives. One of the best parts of this tournament was the CWPA had set up live streaming of all the games via the internet.It was always amazing to receive text messages from family after a game. After the championship game I had over 100 messages from my family- texting back and forth. The joy and love you all sent for me. That you were 100% behind me coaching. Brennan thanks for all your love and understanding when I freak out. To my siblings for all your texts and tweets, coming to watch me coach. Brooke for helping to coach. My parents for being supportive as always. For Brennan's parents watching the game and not thinking that I am crazy after watching me. I am very blessed with amazing athletes and an even better family. 

The league gave me all the games on DVD. I can officially say that I have not watched any of the games yet. I started the championship game, but within seconds my heart rate was rising and I could not do it. Still just so fresh and exciting. Maybe in a few weeks! 

Longest & oldest covered bridge

If you are interested in reading more in-depth about the games check them out below.

Game 1: SDSU vs NYC

Game 2: SDSU vs Duke

Game 3 (Semi Finals): SDSU vs ASU

Game 4 (Finals) : Championship Game Recap

To see more pictures check out the album on facebook: 

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Club Water Polo Wins National Title

SDSU defeated Michigan in sudden death to claim the title.

The team celebrating after the big win.

The San Diego State University Women's Club Water Polo team recently defeated rivals from across the country to become the Collegiate Water Polo Association Club National Champions.

The team played Arizona State University in the semi-final game to advance to the championship game against Michigan. SDSU defeated Michigan 10-9 in sudden death overtime.

“This win not only represents this group of females but also the entire university and San Diego area," said Jamie Cassidy, the team’s head coach. "The team really came together this past year by fundraising to pay for pool time and travel costs, working hard in and out of the pool and by lifting one another up even when things got tough in the championship game.”

Aztec all-stars

The team was led by team MVP Bailey Wickliffe, who fouled out late in the fourth quarter of the championship game.

“The team stepped up and played together in those overtime periods against Michigan, I’m so proud of their hard work all season to be ready for this moment," Cassidy said.

The team played as a unit in the championship game. With Morgan Klingfus— the Collegiate Water Polo Association National Player of the Year — in goal, the team stopped Michigan from scoring in two overtime periods.

After heading to a final sudden death overtime period, Meghan Harder scored the winning goal, making SDSU the 2014 CWPA Club National Champions.

“I’m so proud of my teammates — a club program is a lot of work," said Natalie Parker, club president. "Teammates have to fundraise, do community service for the City of San Diego and represent SDSU. It all came together, winning the championship is a memory I will never forget.”

On the horizon

Cassidy attributes the success of this year's squad to the commitment and dedication of the players.

"This year we had enough girls to have both an A and B squad," she said. "There was a lot more competition and a lot of talent, and that really raised the level of play."

Fortunately for the squad, only three seniors will be leaving, meaning the majority of the team will return for the next season. 

"There is a lot of great chemistry between the girls," Cassidy said. "They have so much respect for each other and they all play so well together. It definitely showed this season."

About SDSU club sports

The Women’s Club Water Polo team is housed within the SDSU Sport Club program.

SDSU Sports Clubs consist of 19 competitive teams. Each club team is developed, organized and managed by students with guidance from the Intramural and Sport Club Coordinator and the Intramural and Sport Club Supervisor.

Each club team's success is determined by the collective efforts and organization of the student athletes. Sport clubs enable students to enhance their collegiate experience and serve an excellent setting for the development of athletic skills, student leadership and social outlets

Experience of a Lifetime!

Sweet 16

Sports are in my blood. I have had the privilege to attend some awesome sports events in my short lifetime. Of course I still have many that I want to be able to check off my list. One of the events I always wanted to see was March Madness- especially when it gets down to the last few teams surviving the winner go home event.

I can officially say I have attended the Sweet 16 and the Elite 8 of Men’s Basketball. The experience was even more amazing because I got to watch my Aztecs play in the Sweet 16. I also got to experience a little of Brennan’s home state team Wisconsin.

Brooke and I went to the Sweet 16 together. I have to thank my mom for getting me the awesome birthday present of tickets to watch.  Brooke and I made a little half day of it all. We stopped off for lunch at the Irvine Spectrum.  Then we headed down to the Honda Center to experience the Sweet 16. On our way into the game it was amazing to see all the San Diego State fans. It just amazed Brooke and I. We have attended some of the biggest SDSU events and never did we feel so at home with the rest of our Aztec family. 

SDSU taking the court

Since the Aztecs were playing the second game of the night, many of the Arizona and Aztec fans came in a bit later. Not Brooke and I, we really wanted to take in the whole experience. That included getting to watch Wisconsin play Baylor. Sadly it was not that competitive of a game Wisconsin took down Baylor without much effort.  

After the Wisconsin win half of my dream Elite 8 was set in place. After allowing the teams to warm up, it was time for the main game of the night. All of a sudden the Honda center was packed full of loud fans. I have never experienced the cheering that took place. If U of A cheered, SDSU fans countered it.  The entire game was spent with both fan bases in their own locked battle of wills to out cheer the other. It was amazing. I can say Brooke and I got into the cheering and were fully engaged in the game.  I even got to see my teammate and good friend Erin Lester at half time of the game.

What a game it was worth every penny my mom spent. Only sad part was the Aztecs ended up losing a true battle. For a team that everyone claimed would be “building” I saw a team that competed. The game went back and forth just working so hard. In the last three minutes Arizona was able to get a bit hot and ended our season.

We may have lost but the experience was worth it. Also showed Brooke and I that there are Aztec fans out there. Hopefully this run into the tournament keeps them excited and they attend more events in the future.

As Brennan says "Go Aztecs!". Brooke and I left there with no voices and headaches, but as very proud San Diego State Alumni. Honored and proud to be part of Aztec Nation. 

Aztecs Warming Up

Tip Off

With time winding down. The end of a great season!

Elite 8: 

Wisconsin warming up

Sadly, my dream Elite 8 wasn't in the cards. Great news was that Brennan’s home state of Wisconsin was being represented on the West Coast. Saturday, Brennan and I headed back up to Anaheim to watch Wisconsin take on Arizona. At this point I was all Wisconsin, Go BUCKY!  We thought it was great the people behind us were Wisconsin fans- till we found out how annoying the one woman could be! Though it was funny because for the first time Brennan was able to hear the accent they had. While that made me laugh cause they sounded like all his relatives. Brennan had many jealous family members and friends back home in the snow, wishing they could be with us. It was fun to see him texting with all of them. Having them help tell us stuff we missed and us doing the same.

Wisconsin wins by 1!

Arizona got away quick but Wisconsin in true mid-west fashion fought for everything. It was a true home crowd for Arizona with their fans yelling just dominating the Honda Center. It did not keep Wisconsin down; they fought and won the battle to advance to the Final Four. It went down to the wire with Wisconsin winning with no time on the clock and by one. It was amazing to see the excitement of advancing. Then there is also the anguish of defeat. All of which is part of playing the game, but still hard to witness. 

A huge thank you to my mom!! You always make such amazing things happen, the our seats could not have been any better. You never cease to amaze me with the birthday gifts you have given me over the years.  You gave Brooke and I another special and amazing experience together! Then I got to have another experience that was completely different at the Elite 8 with Brennan. Plus he got to see Wisconsin play.  

Check the Sweet 16 and Elite 8 off my list of amazing sporting events that I want to attend.  Do not get me wrong, when San Diego State makes it back.. I just might be there in my Red and Black! 

Seattle as an Aztec

I think every family has something that they all bond over. I would have to say growing up that was football. Long before I can remember my mom would be taking us to Friday night football to watch my dad coach. Then growing up we kept going-went to University of Utah bowl games (my Uncle Sean coached there for over 20 years) and spent the weekends watching football. One of my favorite memories is Boise State winning there bowl game over Oklahoma in OT. Having no connection to Boise besides loving college football. The entire family was in the living room yelling at the TV. When they scored my mom was standing up on the couch, my brother was yelling at the TV with his hands over his face, Brooke was yelling, Mikayla was yelling, dad was talking shop. Dad then made a note that he ruined a great game by asking the cheerleader to marry him. It is just another day in the Vessey house and I wonder why people think we are intense? 

Well my love for the game has continued I am an avid Aztec fan (San Diego State). I am sure you all realized that. Throughout college I attended all most all the home games. Once Brooke arrived we continued going and her dating #68 Right Guard Nik Embernate made us even more into it. My parents became Aztec season ticket holders about 4 seasons ago. Now we are all Aztec fans! After graduation I decided I wanted to try to go to an away game every year. Pick a game on the schedule that is against a University with a pretty good record and in a place I am interested in going. I went to Missouri with my mom two years ago (she is an alumni- you can read that post here). I missed out in 2011 when my dad, his bestfriend Chuck (Rest in PEACE) and Brooke went to watch the Aztec’s take on Michigan at the “Big House”. Brooke also went to New Orleans when they played in the bowl game there. In 2012 I would not miss out on a big away game- especially since it is Nik’s senior season. Seattle I went!

Going to an away game is a lot of fun. You get to experience how another college parties and views football. Brooke, mom, dad and I would board a plane leaving Ontario at 6:30am Saturday morning  to Seattle. With a little bit of nerves and almost missing the plane we got through security and walked right on the plane. Once in Seattle we headed forthe hotel to shower and have some breakfast.

Brooke & Me at Pike's Public Market

Since we were in Seattle we headed down to Pike’s market. We had a great day just walking around, eating seafood & doing a bit of exploring. It turned out my parents had not been there in over 15 years. Brooke had never been. I oddly enough have had some weird trips up to the great Northwest. After spending all afternoon we headed over to a brewery by the stadium. Since the University of Washington is remodeling there stadium the game was to be played at Seattle Seahawks Stadium (NFL Team). At the brewery we meet up w/ my Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Karen (my mom’s brother). Then Nik’s dad and his wife joined us. After hanging out & eating we headed to the stadium. Brooke wanted to be there for warm ups.

With dad

Mom with her brother

Walking to the stadium was a lot of fun as there were so many people out. Of course being in all Aztec gear you get some boo’s a few good lucks with a laugh.  Then a lot of high fives from the other 3 Aztec fans you come across. In front of the stadium they close one of the main streets by the stadium and there is just a bunch of venders and food carts. Had we known we might have decided just to eat like that. Once getting our ticketsat the player’s entrance we headed inside. Since we are the visiting school you usually get seats up in the corner near an end zone. Like usual we were in the end zone but we were seated surprisingly in the second tier of the stadium. After playing a good amount of musical chairs with people due to confusion of what seats everyone had. We buckled down for the game. It is fun to be at an away game our section was all Aztec fans. Alumni, parents, siblings, random people. Everyone cheering for the Aztecs. 

Can you find Nik??

Like usual the Aztec’s took the field and Brooke and I were yelling away. As the game went on we yelled and yelled. I enjoy watching football and cheering for kids I went to school with and my alma mater. I will bleed Red and Black forever. There is a saying "Aztec4Life". And if you ask Brennan he will confirm I am a die-hard Aztec. He has a saying “Go Aztecs”- I know he says it with love and a little laugh thinking she is just a bit crazy. The huskies jumped out to an early lead and looked like it could get ugly. But with a trick play the Aztec’s were back in the game. 

The gang (missing KK and Sean)

The trick play was funny because as it was unfolding Brooke realized our receiver was on the side lines unguarded.  As she is yelling there is no one covering him I started yelling at her to shut up. I didn’t want her to give away the play. Looking back sounds stupid I know. But in the heat of the game from the second tier of an 80,000 seat stadium she was about to give away our chance at an easy touchdown. The play went off and the huskies left our man unguarded. It was great! The Aztec’s would struggle here and there and ultimately we would lose the game by 9 points. We had a chance in the last 3 minutes of the game to get a touch down & were not successful. It was a heart breaker- a winnable game. On the upside Nik had played a great game!

** Event happened later but relevant to the above paragraph.  The next week at practice the QB for Nik's team Ryan Katz was like hey man my parents were sitting behind your girlfriend and her sister at the game.  (Hearing this story is when I start thinking: did I say something bad about him? I don't think I did!) His parents explained to him that they we were really intense!  They were yelling almost every play!  My parents couldn't decide who was more intense your girlfriend or her sister. I like to think Brooke is more intense since Nik is her boyfriend.  But yea I am intense (Again we are intense- even random strangers see it!!).  I hope Nik at least explained that we are both alumni and from a football family.  I am unsure if this came up in the conversation- so the QB and his parents might just think we are crazy and intense.  

After the game we would wait at the player’s gate to chat with Nik. This was one of the fastest showers and changes ever for Nik. Surprisingly Nik was not as upset as I thought he might be. He was happy with his performance but disappointed because they could have won. The other team was just not that good!  After chatting with Nik we were exhausted.  After our mile or so walk to the car we headed to the hotel where we all planned to just pass out. Getting up at 4:00a m and then going going all day our Saturday in Seattle was coming to a close around midnight. 

With Mom!! 

Entrance to University of Washington

We slept in well till about 8:30 which is late for the Vessey’s. The plan was to see a little more of Seattle.  We drove over to the University of Washington to see the campus. I had been on the campus about 4 years earlier but no one else had seen it. We drove through and admired how beautiful it was.  The campus has a very back east feel to it with brick buildings. We of course checked out the athletic facilities (were Vessey’s). Then headed out to Tacoma where we were going to have lunch at my Uncle’s.  On the way mom took us by a beautiful golf course and park along the water. Some big golf tournament is going to be held there next year (US Open Maybe?). Then headed to my Uncle’s. 

We spent the afternoon just being with family. My cousin Ruthie and her husband Cliff were there with their super cute daughter Ava. Ava was not so sure about us at first. Of course by the end of the day she was in love with my dad. There is something about my dad teenager’s fear him, babies love him!  My Aunt and Uncle would cook up an amazing spread including you guessed it fresh Salmon. It was a great afternoon. From there we headed back to the airport to fly home.

The center of campus

The only thing that would have made the trip better was an Aztec win. But no matter it was awesome getting to see them play. So I plan to go to all the home game’s but will probably not make another away game. Thank heavens for TV and radio- cause you better believe I will be watching or listening. All while yelling like I am standing on the sidelines and not 1,000 miles away! Sorry in advance to Brennan!

The only thing that would have made the trip better was an Aztec win. But no matter it was awesome getting to see them play. So I plan to go to all the home game’s but will probably not make another away game. Thank heavens for TV and radio- cause you better believe I will be watching or listening. All while yelling like I am standing on the sidelines and not 1,000 miles away! Sorry in advance to Brennan!

Beautiful Park & Golf course right on the water

A great trip to the Great Northwest!

Go Aztecs! 

See all the pictures I took in Seattle!

Congratulations Graduate

A few weekends ago I had the pleasure of attending graduation at San Diego State. I know what you’re all thinking.  It was a pleasure to sit through a graduation? Now you’re thinking what does San Diego State do at graduation. Before you start thinking Keg stands and everyone in swim suits.  They have the same ceremony as every other college campus. A few different speakers.  A few annoying families of course sitting right in front of you in an arena for 16,000.  Then what seems like an eternity later the one person you wanted to see walks across the stage. It was a totally typical graduation.

Go Brooke!

Typical maybe but I got to see my little sister Brooke join me as an Aztec Alumni.  After a lot of long night- rough days- great memories she became an alumni.  I like to think I had a large role in Brooke choosing San Diego State.  In reality it was probably just so she could get more playing time then me and prove that she was the more athletic one.  I may have been a small part in her decision to attend San Diego State but I can tell you I hold a place in her heart and many memories from college. 

I realize we are very lucky. Not many siblings get to experience all that we have.  If you are a normal reader of my blog you have gotten a small glimpse into what we experienced together through our time in SD.  I would not change any of it.  Living with Brooke was awesome even if she can only cook one meal.  And never had the money to pay her bills- luckily her big sister is a saver.  As her boyfriend Nik always says "Break a $5 Jamie, Break a $5."  Nik if you’re reading this- good luck breaking all your $5!

I picked up Grandpa early Saturday morning and we headed the 30 miles to SDSU to enjoy graduation.  Once arriving we found Brooke. I can remember moving her into the dorm so it was exciting to be standing in front of the athletic center watching her get into the (ugly) graduation attire.  While she was putting on the gown I noticed it had the sleeves like mine did for my masters.  Since Brooke was graduating from college- I had to ask.  She replied I thought that was weird but this is what they gave me.  I of course immediately thought dang I spent another 2 years in school- all my life saving, took out student loans just to wear it and only my sister Brooke would just get it handed to her.  Luckily they did not also give her the hood (aka cape).   Needless to say it made me laugh! 

The ceremony was nice we had surprisingly good seats not too far from Brooke.  She was easy to spot with that blonde hair.  Then it would begin speaker after speaker.  I have to say she had a few good speakers.  One guy who received an honor PHD was an alumnus from a long long time ago.  Honestly I cannot remember when he graduated- but he has done a lot. Served our country and climbed the corporate ladder.  His speech was great!  He gave ten points- I wish I could remember them all.  But he told it truthfully.  That we need to be involved in our community- volunteer.  That we need to take control go out and vote. Family and friends are a great thing and appreciate them. It was refreshing to hear.

Can you find Brooke?

One of the other speakers who I enjoyed was much more graduation like.  I really only liked this speaker because he reminded the graduates that this journey was not just about them.  That many people helped them along the way.  Remember to thank these people.  At this point my mom patted me on the back and told me I had done a good job. In this moment I was really proud.  There had been some rough moments for us both through college. However Brooke was coming out on top.  She finished in 4 and half years while being a dual sport athlete.  What an accomplishment.

Finally they got to the crazy part of calling all the names.  There must have been over 2,000 students from the different major’s graduating with Brooke.  Of course Brooke was probably one of the last 200 hundred to walk.  We waited over an hour to get to Brooke.  While waiting for Brooke many people had walked across already thus their families headed out.  Since I wanted the best video and pictures Nik and I headed to get as close as we could.  It was great we got right up at the front.  Finally Brooke headed across the stage to become an official college graduate.

After graduation we headed over to the pool for pictures. I mean everyone else heads into campus- but as a dual athlete all Brooke’s time was spent at the pool.  I only wished I had thought of that when I graduated.  After getting a bunch of great photos with Brooke- mom-dad and me. Mikayla and Sean did not come for the ceremony.  Then some great photos of Brooke and Nik.  As well as pictures with grandpa. The main reason Brooke and I did not starve through college.   

Many hours spent at this pool...

I guess our family creates tradition without even knowing.  We headed into downtown San Diego to the same restaurant we eat at for my graduation.  We had a great time hanging out with everyone.  Like normal talking about a ton of fun memories.  Brooke also mentioned how walking at graduation finally made it seem real.  Since she finished in December then just started working it never felt complete.  So graduation made it feel real and complete.

Congratulations Brooke Elizabeth Vessey. I can’t explain how proud you have made me over the last few years. It is an honor to call you a fellow Aztec Alumni.  But more than that it was amazing to be your sister, roommate, teammate and coach while you got your degree.  Thank you for all the great times.  Congratulations on all you accomplished- I am so proud of you!!  

Congratulations!!!